Only 13 per cent of young men seek help

Young men suffer some of the most serious mental health issues of any group in Australia, but tens of thousands are staying silent rather than seeking help.

The nation-wide problem has led headspace to embark on a striking national campaign aimed at one of the most influential people for many young men: their fathers.

Adding significant strength to the campaign is NRL great Nathan Hindmarsh who is joining the headspace team in an attempt to breakdown the stigma.

Hindmarsh – a father of four sons – said he is proudly lending his voice to the headspace Fathers campaign.

“I look at my four boys and I want them to know that I will always be available to talk to them – day or night – whatever problem they might be facing,” he said.

As part of the campaign, headspace clinicians have designed a set of tools and tips to help fathers to support their sons through mental health challenges.

Hindmarsh said it was vital that fathers learn the triggers and warning signs for their children, and the practical ways to start a conversation.

“Often just talking about it is the hardest, but most important, step to take when dealing with mental health worries,” he said. “Australian dads can make this step even easier by taking the initiative in these conversations.”

headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said a lot of things go unsaid between young men and their dads, especially when it comes to mental health.

“In past generations men were sometimes reluctant to open up about mental health issues but with the services and support available today we should be able to change that,” he said.

“Fathers can play a vital role in identifying the early signs of mental illness and helping their sons get the support they need but many men are unsure how to start the conversation or what services are available.”

“From a practical level, dads can set the scene and think about where they are going to have a conversation, in the car perhaps, or kicking the footy– the conversation should be had in a safe and comfortable space.”

“Our headspace figures show that far fewer young men than women seek out professional help. It’s time that we changed this.”

“I encourage all parents, especially Dads, to visit the headspace website for the tools and tips to help them support their sons.”

For further information about starting a conversation with a young person, especially for dads and their sons, please visit www.headspace.org.au/dads

Information and resources

headspace would like to acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s First People and Traditional Custodians. We value their cultures, identities, and continuing connection to country, waters, kin and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and are committed to making a positive contribution to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, by providing services that are welcoming, safe, culturally appropriate and inclusive.

headspace is committed to embracing diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination in the provision of health services. headspace welcomes all people irrespective of ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation and gender identity.